Not only can poor dental hygiene affect the appearance of your smile, but did you know that dental care is important for more than aesthetics? The truth is that the quality of your teeth and gums can have an undeniable impact on oral health and overall health.
In fact, researchers are now suggesting that there is a connection between dental hygiene and longevity… which is why it’s essential to care for your teeth if you want to live a long and healthy life. One recent study suggests that people with severe gum disease have a three times higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to patients with healthy gums.
In this blog post, we are taking a deep-dive into the connection between your oral health and the rest of your body. This information will help you see why it makes sense to care for your teeth and gums, not only to improve your smile but also to reduce the likelihood of serious health consequences in the future.
The Mouth-Body Connection
You might be asking: how does poor dental hygiene have anything to do with the rest of my body? It all ties back to chronic inflammation and the presence of bacteria. If there are infections in your teeth and gums, then this inflammation can enter the bloodstream and quickly move throughout the body.
The mouth is a “gateway” to the body. When gum disease weakens the barrier (the gums), it is like opening the front door and inviting the enemies inside.
For this reason, poor dental hygiene can contribute to other systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory problems. Some health experts have explained it like a chicken-or-the-egg situation: not only does gum disease increase the risk of serious health complications, but these serious health issues can make it more difficult to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For example, gum disease can increase the risk of diabetes, and at the same time, having diabetes puts a patient at risk of gum disease since the body is compromised and has a harder time fighting infections in the mouth.
Poor Dental Hygiene Increases the Risk of Chronic Disease
When a patient has bad dental hygiene, the risk of various systemic diseases and complications increases. Poor dental hygiene can lead to chronic health conditions, including:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Gum disease increases inflammation, which is a factor that can also increase the risk of heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel through your bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in your arteries, which contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries. The more this plaque builds up, the more difficult it is for blood to flow – putting more and more stress on the heart.
As a result, the risk of heart attack and stroke goes up when gum disease is left untreated. Having bad oral hygiene could be a factor that gives you a higher chance of having chronic and severe heart problems in the future.
Diabetes
Fluctuating blood sugar can take a toll on many aspects of your health. People with diabetes often have suppressed immune function, which impacts the body’s ability to fight off infection. As mentioned earlier, it can be difficult to identify whether gum disease is contributing to diabetes or the other way around. Most health experts will agree that the best solution is to treat BOTH diabetes and gum disease to reduce the risk of infections and improve overall health.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then it’s critical that you are proactive about caring for your oral health. The reality is that infections in teeth and gums can contribute to a higher risk of diabetes complications.
Respiratory Problems
Did you know that the presence of infections in your mouth can play a role in the development of respiratory infections, including pneumonia? The bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing the infection to spread.
This risk of respiratory infections is particularly higher for people who have a weakened immune system. If you are already at risk for respiratory issues or your immune system is under-functioning, then make sure you are proactive about taking care of your oral health as much as possible.
Other Complications from Poor Teeth Hygiene
When you are asking the question: what can poor oral hygiene result in? The major health conditions listed above often come up. But keep in mind that researchers are still learning about the ways oral health is connected to overall health. At this point, it’s clear there is a connection between oral health and other conditions throughout the body, and it’s likely that doctors will find more and more information in the future.
Other possible health concerns that might be linked to poor dental hygiene include:
- Pregnancy Complications
- Dementia
- Certain Types of Cancer
It’s impossible to predict exactly how poor oral health will impact a person’s health. So, the best practice is to be proactive about brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. These steps can be an essential solution for protecting your overall health and wellness in multiple ways.
Best Practices for Maintaining Dental Hygiene at Home
The oral health habits you should be practicing at home are pretty straightforward – they are the most common recommendations you will hear from any dental expert:
- Brush twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth
- Floss once a day
- Schedule dental cleanings and checkups every six months
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Minimize the consumption of cavity-causing foods, such as sugar and desserts
FAQ
How can poor oral hygiene affect a person’s quality of life?
Not only can toothaches, bleeding gums, and pain impact your quality of life, but the resulting chronic health issues can take a toll on overall health.
Can you recover from bad dental hygiene?
Yes! Start right away. Consistent brushing and flossing at home, paired with professional treatments, can minimize the extent of damage now and in the future.
What disease is caused by poor dental hygiene?
The most common diagnosis from poor dental hygiene is periodontal disease (gum infections). These infections can lead to other health complications.
What is considered poor dental hygiene?
Poor dental hygiene is a lack of consistency with brushing, flossing, and dental visits – which causes a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, often leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Other lifestyle habits can increase the risk of poor dental hygiene, including excessive sugar consumption and smoking.
How long does it take to fix oral hygiene?
You can change your oral habits immediately: start today by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and scheduling your next dental examination and cleaning. Depending on the severity of damage and infection to your teeth and gums, it can take several weeks or months of consistency and treatments to restore your oral health.
Call the Experts at myDental
What questions do you have about maintaining your oral health? Our team is always here to assist you in maintaining the healthiest and happiest smile possible.
Protect your smile and your overall health with consistent dental care. Learn more about our preventive dentistry services and access modern solutions that guard your teeth and gums. Call myDental to book an appointment at one of our nearby locations.